U.S. Housing Shortage Persists as Topeka Prices Jump 6.6% Mid‑Year

Oxford Economics projects that the United States will continue to face a national housing shortage for at least seven more years, citing a structural gap between aging stock and the need for climate‑resilient, high‑density homes. Industry leaders point to a shift toward industrialized, modular construction and stricter energy‑efficiency standards as a response, while federal HUD guidelines encourage smart‑home technology and denser “missing‑middle” housing types.

In Topeka, Kansas, median home prices rose 6.6% year‑over‑year to $210,704 during the first half of 2026. Sales slipped 4.3% to 221 homes, active listings fell 0.3% to 614, and the market held 1.7 months of supply. Median days on market shortened to 20.6. Nationally, median prices reached $391,879, up 1.5% YoY, with a modest increase in listings and a supply level of 3.9 months.